I followed dreamdoctor here from another post. I didn't grow up with Christmas, so the variety of these lights and their evolution is a total mystery to me, although they have always held a fascination for me. I have a set of white Christmas lights woumd around my wrought iron rail at the top of my split entry stairs that I put there at least a decade ago. So long ago I forget they are there and that anyone would judge their aesthetic value. They have become an essential to light my stairs at night as well as serve to give a bit of flavor to that part of the house in the night. I'll have to check out "modern versions!" BTW dream doctor I have been a vegetarian for a few years and still love the smell of bacon, as long as I don't think about it. Kind of like my recycled leather floors. My own hypocracy is a work in progress. ;-)

The parlour palm is the most reliable palm for indoors .. Plants add exponentially to the indoors effect and personality, as has been said many times over, however as with anything, ideally should be placed/chosen tastefully and not in a hodge-podge or messy looking fashion. Unhealthy looking plants are particularly unattractive ..

it depends on what the space will be built out of, how big, do you want the floor at the same height as inside or at ground level, how do you want to use the space, your climate, the inside rooms and do you want to connect the two spaces with wide opening doors.. what about shelter for wind and rain and bugs..do you want a roof and walls?? a simple pergola covered with shade cloth at ground level with some pavers could be the cheapest DIY option for a few thousand for materials and time and effort...anything more elaborate will be more expensive

Aren't quotes always free? You didn't say which direction but sunlight sounds like outdoor might be useful. Not really understanding why you think it's a choice though? Even if you need something on the outside you'll likely want something on the inside too. Different solutions work better for different situations and you haven't explained your situation.